About the Book

Submarines were responsible for about 55 percent of the tonnage of the Japanese fleets sunk during World War II. The 22 percent casualty rate of U.S. submariners was the highest of the military services. This volume traces the career of the submarine the USS Puffer from the laying of her keel and her commissioning on April 27, 1943, until her departure for the scrap yard in late 1960. Compiled from interviews with former crew members, including the author’s father, Donald B. McDonald, as well as other contemporary sources, it follows the crew of the Puffer through nine war patrols.
Events recollected include the First War Patrol, which resulted in a record-setting 38 hour submergence because of enemy fire; the dangerous transfer of torpedoes while surfaced in enemy waters; and the wild bombardment of Japanese shore installations with the 5-inch deck gun. There are numerous wartime photographs and appendices providing a list of awards earned by the crew and a summary of claimed successful attacks. Brief biographies of the seven commissioned officers are also included.

About the Author(s)

Craig R. McDonald is director of information and data services within the University Division at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Table of Contents

1. QUALIFYING FOR THE SUBMARINE SERVICE
Boot Camp 7
Specialty School 11
Submarine School 13

2. BUILDING THE PUFFER AND THE BONDING OF THE CREW
Submarines in Wisconsin 16
Building the Puffer 18
Plank Owners 22
The Bonding of the Crew 29
Down the Mississippi River 30
Final Training and on to Brisbane 32

7. THE SECOND WAR PATROL
Distorted History 81
Corrected History 82
New Crew and Boat Repairs 84
The New Commander 86
Departure for Subic Bay 87
The First Attack 88
Frustration Again 89
Waiting for Action 90
No Christmas Presents 92
Happy New Year 93
Deck Gun Action 95

8. THE THIRD WAR PATROL
New Crew Members and Training 98
Lombok and Makassar Straits 101
Invasion Scare 102
A Second Chance 103
A Dangerous Destroyer 110
No Contacts and Return to Fremantle 112

Book Reviews & Awards

“McDonald affords a comprehensive record of the Puffer’s service, and the inclusion of first-hand accounts from former crew members adds a precious resource for future researchers”—The Journal of Military History; “engaging…author obviously devoted much time to in-depth research…McDonald’s work is masterful and commended to all hands”—USNI.